Rail-joint.



Patented Jan. 12, 1909. 3 BEEETS-SHEET 1.

H. G. GILLMOR. RAIL JOINT.-

APPLICATION FILED PEB. 12, 1908.

H. G. GILLMOR.

RAIL JOINT.

APPLIGATION FILED 1113.12, 190s.

3 SHEETS-*SHEET 2.

- Patented- Jan. 12, 1909.

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H. G. GILLMOR.

BAIL JOINT.

APPLIOATIQN FILED PEB. 12, 190e.

Patented J an. 12, 1909.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

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UNFTED STATES PATENT @FFQE HORATIO G. GILLMOR, OF BATH, MAINE.

RAL-JOINT.

Application led February 12, 1906.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, HORATIO G. GILLMon, a citizen'of the United States, residing at Bath, county of Sagadahoc, State of Maine, have invented an Improvement in the Means of Forming Joints in Rails, of which the following is a specication accompanied by drawings.

This invention relates to railway joints, although the uses of the means employed to form the rail joints are not limited to such joints, for my invention may be used in any connection in which they may be found applicable.

One of the objects of my invention is to provide an efcient means of joining rails free from parts which may Work loose after once having been properly placed.

Another object of my invention is to provide such support for the rail ends as to prevent defiections of the rail at the joint and thereby prevent the battering of the rail ends at the joint.

Another object of my invention is, in the cases where the rails are used as a portion of the electric circuit, to provide for an electrical conductivity through thejoint as nearly as possible equal to or greater than the electrical conductivity of the unjointed portion of the rail.

Further objects of the invention will hereinafter appear, and to these ends the invention consists of a rail joint for carrying out the above objects embodying the features of construction, combination of elements and arrangement of parts having the general mode of operation substantially as hereinafter described and claimed in this specification and shown in the accompanying drawings in which Figure l is a plan view, partly in section, illustrating a form of the rail joint. Figs. 2 and 3 are, respectively, sections through the parts at the plane indicated by X X and Y Y in Fig. l Fig. 4 is a side elevation of the rail joint. Figs. 5 and 6 are a side and an end elevation, respectively, of a modified form of the rail joint. Figs. 8 and 7 are, respectively, a side elevation and a section of the parts at the plane indicated by X X of another modified form of the rail joint. Figs. 9 and l() are, respectively, a section at the plane indicated by X X and a plan view, partly in section, of another modified form of the rail joint. Figs. 11 and 12 Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Jan. 12, 1909.

Serial No. 300,667.

are, respectively, a section at the plane indicated by X X and a lan view, partly in section, of another modified form of the rail joint.

Similar letters refer to similar parts throughout the several views.

Referring to the drawings, A represents meeting ends of the rails supported in a chair l) between the rising arms of which and the rail are driven the wedges B exerting pressure between the lower surfaces of the heads and the upper surfaces of the flanges of the rails. Shoulders F are formed on these wedges to bring up against the arms of the chair and act as stops to prevent the wedges from being driven farther than. desirable. To draw the chair into intimate contact with the bases of the rails so that upward pressure will be exerted upon them, the wedges C are driven between B and the flanges at the top of the arms of the chair D. All the bearing surfaces are in this manner brought into close contact so that they exert pressure one upon the other and the relatively great depth of the joint as a whole in conjunction with the pressure of the bearing surfaces of its parts, gives it a strength and rigidity which enable it to withstand the stresses to which it is subjected in service without deflections or distortions of the rail-s or the parts of the joint. The pressure of the surfaces of contact of the rails with the parts of the joint is also a determining feature in the electrical conductivity at the joint; and, by providing for a suitable pressure between these surfaces of contact, the area of these surfaces as compared with the cross sectional area of the rail being great, the electrical conductivity through the joint may be made as great as or greater than that of the unjointed portion of the rail.

Where wedges are used in places subject to vibration they tend to slacken. It is necessary, therefore, to provide means for locking the wedges against any slackening movement once they are driven. lt is necessary also in the rail joint to provide against movement of the joint as a whole with respect to the rails. These objects may be accomplished in a variety of ways. Among these is that illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4, inclusive, in which G represents the holes usually drilled in the webs of the rails near their ends. M is a recess in the face of B adjacent to the web of the rail and P is a recess in the face of. B adjacent to C. 0 is a grooveformed in the face of C adjacent to B. 0 and P are formed in such positions C and B -that When the Wedges have been driven to position O and P Will be adjacent; and P is given a sufficient length to allouT for some variation in the relative positions 'of B- and C, While O and P remain adjacent. With the Wedges in position O and P-` then form a gate, through Which by suitable passages R and N formed in B, molten metal may be introduced to and i'ill the spaces L, G, M, N, R, O, and P and all interstices of thel joint g' suitable means being employed if desired to f prevent thel molten metal from filling the space between the rail ends; to keep this space free to providefor' the changes in length of the rails on account 'of Achanges in temperature. The metal so introduced when solidified effectu-ally prevents movement of the parts of the joint with respect to one another. By heating the joint suitably before pouring the molten nre-tal and by ein-- ploying a metal Which melts at a comparatively loW temperature and raising its temperatu're considerably beyond the melting temperature, all of the interstices of the joint may be fille-d. lt will be understood that in introducing the molten metal the openings between the rails and thel other parts of the joint will be suitably luted. 1n addition toy retaining the parts ofthe joint in position the solidified metal, filling all the interstices of the joint, will add materially to its rigidity, and, by increasing the areas of contact and cross section in the joint, Will greatly increase its electrical conductivity. Furthermore, the filling of the interstices of the joint in this manner excludes from the'fsurfaces of 'f contact of the-parts ofthe joint the corroding,

agents Which vmight tend to decrease the electrical conductivity at such surfaces.

ln Figs. 5 and 6 the forms of the parts B- and C are modified, so that While B3 and C1, together perform the same functions as B and C in Figs. 1 to l inclusive; by forming complementary Wedging surfaces in the tvvo parts B3 and C1, combined they have exterior parallel surfaces and the Wedging forces exerted When C, is driven into position secure the desired upward pressures under the heads of the rails; and., through the chair or clamp D, under the bases of the rails, the downward pressures upon the upper surfaces of the flanges of the rails. The parts B3 and C1 are arranged to interlock, automatically, at E, a catch projection being formed in B3 and a series of teeth in a light arm, l, extending from C1. As C1 is driven into position this arm springs sufficiently to alloW a tooth to pass the catch projection and the resilience of the materials causes the arm to return so that a tooth and thel catch proj ection interlock at Whe-n the proper position has been reached. Molten metal is in- `with the chair D.

trodu'ced in a manner similar toV that described above to give rigidity to the joint and lower its electrical. resistance.

In Figs. 7 and 8 a fish bar of the usual type :is employed on the side of the rail upon Which the Wheel flanges Would come with the rail in service and one arm of the chair D is formed to engage directly with this fish bar. The parts at' the other side of the joint are similar to those in Figs. 5 and except that C1 is provided with a slotted aperature to take a pin G2 Which pass-es through the hole G in the rail and the hole in the fish bar B5; and B3 is driven to position. To secure the Wedges in place BVB, is constructed with a catch projection which springs the arm of D as B3 is driven to position and automatically interlocks With the arm of D, by the resilience of the materials, when B3 reaches the proper position. The base plate K is notched for the arms of the chair D and is provided With spiking apertures to receive the spikes ll.

Those on the side upon which the fishbar B2 is register with the notches for these spikes in the 'fish bar'. As shown in 8, the interstices of the joint are filled with 'molten metal in the manner described when referring tol to 4 inclusive. j In the modified form ofthe joint shown in lfigs. 9 and l0"y a fish bar B`-1 of special form is employed on the side of the rail upon which the Wheel flanges Would come When the rails are in service and thev chair is inodified correspondingly. The bar B1 is formed With lugs Gr, Which engage with the" holes' in the rails to prevent longitudinal movement of B#l With respect to the rail and the projections F near the ends of Bl prevent 1V longitudinal movement of the chair D with Erespect to B1; and, therefore, movement of the joint With respect to the rail. The chair g D is formed with an extended base K, arranged to rest upon tivo ties and this base has spiking apertures to take the spikes ll.

The Wedges B- and C on the side4 of the l rails opposite to B-l are in all respects similar to the same parts in Figs. 1 to 4. vide forv the locking of these Wedges in position when they have been driven to place,

To prothe Wedge C is designed to interlock at E A catch projection is formed on DI and the Wedge @is formed Witha number of teeth the edges of which lie about inthe plane ofthe top face of the Wedge. As the Wedge is driven to position the projection D is forced out sufficiently to permit a tooth ofl C to pass and when the proper position is reached a tooth of the Wedge and the projection of the chair interlock at E by the resilience ofthe materials used. The use of molten metal to 'fill all the spaces between the rails and the other parts of the joint as sho-Wn insures rigidity and low electrical resistanceU In Figs. 1l and lf2 ordinary fish bars B2 soar?? and wedges B3 are employed. The pins G2 are inserted in the holes G in the rail and in the fish bars to prevent longitudinal movement of these with respect to the rail. To hold the rails securely against creeping a base plate K, notched to tale the arms of the chair D so as to prevent the movement of one relative to the other is employed, and is provided with spiking apertures registering with the notches in the lisli bars B2.. The base plate K and 'ish bars are long enough to rest upon two ties and the spikes H, engaging with the notches in B, and traversing the spiking apertures in K, effectually secure the rail and joint. The parts B3 and C, are entirely similar in function to parts of the same designations in Figs. 5 to S, inclusive, and B4 dilifers from B in the other iigures by providing only for the vertical wedging action of C. The securing oi' the wedges in place is provided for by catch projections on C, and C which automatically interlock with the flange oi D when C, and C are driven to the proper position, and the introduction of molten metal as described above and illustrated in the figures.

Obviously some features of this invention may be used without others and the invention may be embodied in widely varying lorms of which those shown in the drawings are but a few of the-types.

Therefore without limiting the invention. to the constructions shown and described nor enumcrating the equivalents, l claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent the following:

l. A wedge clamp; comprising a clamp body with suitably formed, upwardly eX- tending, arms, one of the said arms being overturned ii vardly at its upper edge; and pair of' wedges, constructed with wedging surfaces to engage with each other, other bodies, and the said inwardly-overturned portion oil an arm of the clamp body, to secure pressure, in two directions approximately Lt right angles, between the clamp and the said bodies; for substantially the purposes set forth.

2. A wedge clamp; comprising a clamp body with suitablyformed, upwardly extending, arms, one of the said arms being overturned inwardly at its upper edge a pair of wedges, constructed with wedging surfaces to engage with each other, .other bodies, and the said inwardly-overturned portion of an arm of the clamp body, to secure pressure, in two directions approximately at right angles, between the clamp and said bodies 5 and means to prevent movement of the wedges with respect to each other and the said clamp body for substantially the purposes set forth.

8. A wedge clamp, comprising a clamp body with suitably formed, upwardly extending, arms, overturned in-wardly at their upper edges, wedges, constructed with wedging surfaces to engage, in pairs, with each other, other bodies, and the said inwardlyoverturned portions ot the arms of the clamp body, to secure pressure, in two directions approximately at right angles, between the clamp and the said bodies, for substantially the purposes set forth.

4. A wedge clamp; comprising a clamp body, with suitably terme-d, upwardly eX- tending, arms, overturned inwardly at their upper edges Wedges, constructed with wedging surfaces to engage, in pairs, with each other, other bodies, and the said inwardlyoverturned portions ol the arms of the clamp body, to secure iressure, in two directions approximately at right angles, between the clamp and the said bodies 5 and means to prevent movement oi the said wedges with respect to each other' and the said clamp body.; for substantially the purposes set forth.

5. A rail joint, comprising the rails; a chair, having suitably formed upwardly eX- tending arms with inwardly projecting flanges thereon; and wedges, constructed to engage with the rails, the chair and with each other, in pairs, to secure an upward pressure of the parts o'l the joint under the heads and the lower surfaces of the bases of the rails and a downward pressure oi the parts of the joint upon the upper surfaces of the bases of the rails g for substantially the purposes set forth.

6. A rail joint, comprising the rails, a 100 chair having suitably formed upwardly eX- tending arms with inwardly projecting `lianges thereon; wedges, constructed to engage with the rails, the chair and with each other, in pairs, to secure an upward pressure `1,05 of the parts of the joint under the heads an d the lower surfaces of the bases of the rails and a downward pressure oi the parts of the joint upon the upper surfaces of the bases of the rails; and means to prevent the movement 110 of the wedges with respect to each other and the other parts of the joint ,1 for substantially the purposes set forth.

" rail joint; comprising the rails, a

I. ri. chair, having suitably formed upwardly extending arms with inwardly projecting flanges thereon wedges, constructed to engage with the rails, the chair and with each other, in pairs, to secure an upward pressure oi" the parts ot the joint under the heads and the lower surfaces of the bases of the rails and a downward pressure oi the parts ci the joint upon the upper surfaces ci the bases of the the rails means to prevent movement of the wedges with respect to each other and the other parts of the joint; and means to prevent longitudinal movement of one rail with respect to the chair and wedges for substantially the purposes set forth.

8. A rail joint, comprising the rails; a

chair, having suitably formed upwardly extending arms with inwardly projecting flanges thereon; wedges, constructed to enwedges with respect to each other and the other parts of the joint; means to prevent longitudinal movement of one rail with res ect to the chair and wedges; and base p ate, interlocking with the chair and extending transversely for a portion of its length beyond the edges of the bases ofthe rails and provided with spiking apertures; for substantially the purposes set forth.

9. VA rail joint; comprising the rails; a fish bar; a chair, comprising a base and two up` wardly extending arms, the said arms being constructed with inwardly projecting flanges; wedges, constructed to engage, in pairs, with each other, the chair and the other parts of the joint to secure an upward pressure under the heads and the lower surfaces of the bases of the rails and a downward pressure of I the parts of the joint upon the upper surfaces of the bases of the rails; for substantially the purposes set forth.

10. A rail joint; comprising the rails; a fish bar; a chair, comprising a base and two upwardly extending arms, the said arms being constructed with inwardly projecting flanges; wedges, constructed to engage, in pairs, with each other, the chair and the other parts of the oint to secure an upward pressure of the parts of the joint under the heads and lower surfaces of the bases of the rails and a downward pressure of the parts of the joint upon the upper surfaces of the bases of the rails; and means to prevent movement of the wedges with respect to each other and the other parts of the joint; for substantially the purposes set forth.

11. A rail joint; comprising the rails; a fish bar; a chair, comprising a base and two upwardly extending arms, the said arms being constructed with inwardly projecting flanges; wedges, constructed to engage, in pairs, with each other, the chair and the other parts of the joint to secure an. upward pressure under the heads and lower surfaces of the bases of the rails and a downward pressure upon the upper surfaces of the bases of the rails; means to prevent movement of the wedges with respect to each other and other parts of the joint; and means to prevent longitudinal movement of one rail with respect to the sh bar, chair and wedges for substantially the purposes set forth.

l2. A rail joint; comprising the rails; a fish bar, a chair, comprising a base and two upwardly extending arms, the said arms being constructed with inwardly projecting flanges; wedges, constructed to engage, in pairs, with each other, the chair and other parts of the joint to secure an upward pressure under the heads and lower surfaces of the bases of the rails and a downward pressure upon the upper surfaces of the bases of the rails; means to prevent movement of the wedges with respect to each other and other parts of the joint; means to prevent longitudinal movement of one rail with respect to the fish bar, chair and wedges; and a base plate, interlocking with the chair, and extending transversely for a portion of its length beyond the edges of the bases of the rails and provided with spiking apertures; for substantially the purposes set forth.

13. A rail joint; comprising the rails; fish bars; a chair, comprising a base and two upwardly extending arms, the said arms being constructed with inwardly projecting flanges;

wedges, constructed to engage in pairs with' each other, the chair and other parts of the joint to secure an upward pressure under the heads and the lower surfaces of theV bases of the rails and a downward pressure of the parts of the joint upon the u per surface of the bases of the rails; for substantially the purposes set forth.

14. A rail joint; comprising the rails; fish bars; a chair, comprising a base and two upwardly extending arms, the said arms being constructed with inwardly projecting flanges; wedges, constructed to engage in pairs with each other, the chair and other parts of theV joint to secure an upward pressure of the parts of the joint under the heads and lower surfaces of the bases of the rails and a downward pressure of the parts of the joint upon the upper surfaces of the bases of the rails; and means to prevent `movement of the wedges with respect to each other and the other parts of the joint; for substantially the purposes set forth.

15. A rail joint; comprising the rails; fish bars; a chair, comprising a base and two upwardly extending arms, the said arms being constructed with inwardly projecting flanges wedges, constructed to engage in pairs with each other, the chair and other parts of the joint to secure an upward pressure under the heads and lower surfaces of the bases of the rails and a downward pressure of the parts of the joint upon the upper surfaces of the bases of the rails; means to prevent movement of the wedges with respect to each other and the other parts of the joint; and means to prevent longitudinal movement of one rail with respect to the fish bars, chair and wedges; for substantially the purposes set forth.

16. A rail joint; comprising the rails; sh bars; a chair,.comprising a base and two upwardly extending arms, the said arms being constructed with inwardly projecting flanges;

scarta wedges constructed to9 engage pairs with each other, the chair and. other parts of the joint to secure an ugward pressure ofl the parts of the j ointun.v er the, heads and lower surfaces ofthe bases of the rails and a down-A ward pressure of the parts of the jointy upon;- the upper surfaces of thel bases; of the rails 5. means to prevent movement, of the wedges with respect toeach otherA and the otherparts of the joint; means toprevent longitudinalmoycment of one rail with respect to theffish bars and chair; and:V abascf plate,V interlocking with the chair; entendi-ng transversely for a portion of its length beyond the edges of the bases of the railsy and: provided with spiking apertures; forV substantially the pur-V poses set forth.

17. A rail joint; comprising the rails; a chair, having suitably formed arms; at wedge or wedges, constructed to` exert wedging forces between the rails and the said chair; and metallic filler introduced in amolten condition to the spaces between the said wedge or wedges and other parts. ofv the joint ;l for substantially the purposes set forth.

18. A rail joint; comprising the rails.; a chair having suitably formed arms; av baseplate, contacting with the basesV of the rails7 interlocking with the said chair; a wedge, or wedges, constructed to exert wedgi-ng; forces between the rails and the saidy chair; and a metallic filler introduced in a molten` condition to the spaces between said wed e and other parts of the oint; for substantia ly the purposes set forth.

19. A rail joint; comprising the rails; a fish bar or fish bars; a chair having suitably formed arms; a wedge, or wedges, constructed to exert wedging forces between the chair and other parts of the joint; and a metallic ller introduced in a molten condition to the interstitial spaces between the parts of the joint; for substantially the purposes set forth.

20. A rail joint; comprising the rails; a fish bar or bars; a base plate contacting with the base of the said rails; a chair having suite ably formed arms interlocking with the said hase plate; a wedge, or wedges, constructed to exert wedging forces between the chair and the other parts of the joint; and a metallic filler intro duced in a molten condition to the interstitial spaces between the parts of the joint; for substantially the purposes set forth.

21. A rail joint; comprising the rails; a chair, having suitably formed; upwardly projecting, arms, one of which is overturned inwardly at its upper edge; wedges constructed to engage with the railsI the chair and with each other, to secure an upward pressure under the heads and lower surfaces of the bases of the rails and a downward pressure upon the upper surfaces of the bases of the rails; and a metallic filler, introduced in a molten condition to the spaces between the. said wedges. and other parts of the. joint; for substantially the purposes set forth.

2,22. A rail joint; comprisingv the rails; a base plate contacting with the bases of the rails; a chair; having suitably i'ormed-,v upwardly projecting arms,V interlocking with the said base plate, one of the said arms beingl overturned inwardly at its upper edge; wedges; constructed toengagewith the rails; the, chair' and with each other, to.- secure an upward pressure under the heads and lower surfaces of the bases.k of the rails and a downward pressure upon the upper surfacesof the bases; of the rails.; and a metallic filler introduced in` amclten condition to the spaces between the said wedges and other parts of the joint; for substantially the purposes set, forth.

23. A rail joint; comprising the rails; a chairhaving suitably formed arms, overturned inwardly at their upperedges; wedges, constructed to engage with the rails; the chair and each other, in pairs, to secure anupward pressure under the heads andy lower surfaces; of they bases of the rails and a downwardA pressure upon the upper surfaces of the bases of the rails; and a metal-lic ller introduced in a molten conditi-on to.. the spaces. betweeny the said; wedges and other parts; of the joint;,for ysubstantia-lly the purposesiset forth. 9 5.

2 4. A rail joint; comprising the rails; a base plate, contacting; with the bases of the said rails; a chair, having suitably formed arms overturned inwardly at their upper edges, interlocking with the said base plate; wedges7 constructed to engage with the rails7 the chair and each other, in pairs, to secure an upward pressure under the heads and lower surfaces of the bases of the rails and a downward pressure upon the upper surfaces of the bases of the rails; and a metallic filler introduced in a molten condition to the spaces between the said wedges and other parts of the joint; for substantially the purposes set forth.

25. A rail joint; comprising the rails; a fish bar or iish bars; a chair, having suitably formed upwardly projectin arms7 one of which is overturned inwardgly at its upper edge; wedges constructed to engage width each other, the chair and other parts of the joint; to secure an upward pressure of the parts of the joint under the heads and lower surfaces of the bases of the rails, and a downward pressure of the parts of the joint upon the upper surfaces of the bases of the rails; and a metallic filler introduced in a molten condition to the interstitial spaces between the parts of the joint; for substantially the purposes set forth.

26. A rail joint; comprising the rails; a fish bar or iish bars; a base plate7 contacting with the bases of the rails; a chair7 having suitably formed, upwardly projecting arms, one of which is overturned inwardly at its u p ate; wedges, constructed to .engage with the chair, other parts of the joint and each other, to secure an upward pressure of the i parts of the joint under the heads and lower surfaces of the bases of the rails, and a downward pressure of the parts of the joint upon the upper surfaces of the bases of the rails; and a metallic filler introduced in a molten condition to the interstitial spaces between the parts of the joint; for substantially the purposes set forth.

27. A rail joint; comprising the rails; iish bars; a chair having suitably formed, udwardly projecting arins, overturned inwardly at their upper edges; wedges constructed to engage with the chair, other parts of the joint and each other, in pairs, to secure an upward pressure of the parts of the joint under the heads and lower surfaces of the bases of the rails, and a downward pressure of the parts of the joint upon the upper surfaces of the bases of the rails; and a metallic filler introduced in a molten condition to the interstitial spaces between the parts of the joint; for substantially the purposes set forth.

28. A rail joint; comprising the rails; fish bars; a base plate contacting with the base of the rails; a chair having suitably formed, upwardly projecting arms, overturned inwardly at their up er edges, interlocking with the said base p ate; wedges, constructed to enpper edge, interlocking withthe said basev V gage with the chain-other parts of the joint with the rails, a chair having an upwardly pro-` jecting arin, a wedge driven in between said chair arin and said rails and a metallic filler introduced in iiuid condition to the spaces between the several parts of the joint, substantially as described.

30. The combination of rails and a joint for the adjacent ends thereof, including a chair having an upwardly projecting arm with an inwardly projecting ange, wedges driven in between said chair arni and said rails and a metallic filler introduced in several parts of the joint.

molten condition to the spaces between the i In testimony whereof I have signed this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

H. G. GLLMOB. TWitnesses H. H. BoNNEMonT, H. E. WiLLiAMs. 

